Saturday, March 12, 2011

Touring in Kaimáktsalan

John Keats wrote: "The poetry of the earth is never dead". In mountainous Pella this is
true.



Around the area of Kaimáktsalan ski resort stunning wonders of nature are waiting to be discovered. Follow us on a trip through magic forests, steep gorges, beautiful wetlands and mountain lakes.






In close proximity to Kaimáktsalan ski resort, on the easternmost side of Vóras Mountain, the famous Black Forest is located. Its rich biodiversity of flora and fauna and its pristine undulating landscapes will certainly impress you. Here adventure addicts can take part in intense outdoor activities such as trekking and mountain biking. Experienced trekking guides will share with you experience and enjoyment through scenic mountain routes amidst dense fir and beech tree forests.






Pózar Thermal Baths, nestled among the steep slopes of Mt. Vóras, are surrounded by the magnificent Ramno Mpor Gorge. Take in views of the impressive mountainscape: precipice rocks, natural waterfalls, wild vegetation with high trees, and the famous gorge of the Baths make Pózar Baths a paradise on earth. Need an adrenaline rush? Hit the trails connecting the thermal baths with Mt. Vóras along the thermal river, go climbing or mountaineering, follow off-road trails, or run up the wooden staircase to discover the 16 prehistoric caves hidden in the gorge!


 
 
Visit the breathtaking wetland of Agras-Vrita-Nissi, only 6km away from the city of Edessa. The high conservation value of the wetland is attributed to the presence of rare birds. Endangered species, such as the ferruginous duck and little bittern, rest and feed at the area together with other birds like the swans, coots, little grebes and moorhens. Enjoy a romantic boat trip around the Ágras Lake, in the heart of the wetland, and observe the birds nestle in the lake.




 

The highlight of this mountain tour should be a visit to Vegoritida Lake, in the village of Ayios (Saint) Pandeleimonas on the western slope of Mt. Vóras. The lake is the second biggest (72,500 square metres surface area and about 80m depth), and one of the most beautiful lakes in Greece. It is also part of the NATURA 2000 network as an important habitat of over 160 bird and 11 fish species. While in the area, welcome the opportunity to participate in environmentally-friendly activities, such as rowing, canoeing and kayaking, kite surfing, wind surfing, bird watching, sailing and swimming! A tour around the villages of the lake (Árnissa, Peréa and Ayios Pandeleimonas) unveils beautiful landscapes offering you the opportunity to enjoy the famous local hospitality, and to taste delicious local specialties!